Top 8 Shops With the Best High Tea in Calgary [2023]

Working long hours in the afternoon can leave you exhausted. The best high tea in Calgary is the perfect setting to unload and share stories with friends while enjoying hot beverages. A high tea meal was traditionally a heavy meal of vegetables, meat, fish, potatoes, and salads served as a large portion with hot, filling tea to laborers in high-backed chairs. British afternoon tea has now become synonymous with this meal.

Calgary’s best high tea serves pastries and cakes to complement your hot beverages. Here are the top 8 high tea houses in Calgary you can visit if you are looking for a relaxing atmosphere while you have a cup of tea with your friends. Taking afternoon tea serves as the unsung hero of mealtimes since it can fulfill many different purposes. The tea service comes in all forms, from the celebratory to the obligatory to just plain fun. The following Calgary high tea spots offer everything from classic English high tea to modern high tea.

Here is our list of Top 8 Shops with the Best High Tea in Calgary

1-Oolong Tea House:

Website: oolongteashop.ca/

Menu: oolongteashop.ca/our-beautiful-teas

Phone: +1 403 457 5450

Address: 110 10 St NW, Calgary, AB T2N 3V1, Canada

Known for: 

• Remarkable Teas
• Atmosphere
• Patio

Top picks:

• Oolong tea
• Rooibos

Oolong Tea House aims to offer all customers stepping through its doors a friendly and welcoming environment. The outstandingly friendly staff will be happy to share their knowledge about tea; for instance, where it came from, its health benefits, and its characteristics, and they can even help you stay within your budget.

Teas offered in this shop include black teas, oolong teas, white teas, green teas, yerba mate, rooibos, herbal teas, fruit infusions, blooming teas, and matcha. Apart from serving and selling tea by the cup and pot, it also offers several tea lattes to choose from and other hot drinks, Italian sodas, iced tea, and fresh fruit smoothies.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Oolong Tea House (@oolongteahouse)

Fresh homemade vegetarian and pork paninis, gluten-free soups, vegetarian curry pies, and more are some of the tasty lunch items here. Oolong tea house also offers brownies, carrot cake with cream cheese icing, matcha cupcakes, a daily cookie, fluffy banana bread, and tea-infused cheesecake made with teas from their shop. It offers dining options inside and outside. Customers appreciate the excellent service here. The cafe offers a modern ambiance and excellent service.

Customer reviews:

“I am into tea, and my whole family is into tea. I switched to this local store to support local. 🙂 Not disappointed. They have a cute collection of in-house blended teas, teaware, and gifts. They also carry some baked goods to go with tea. Organic chocolate, etc. 🙂 The staff are very friendly and helped me choose teas. Will come back in the future.”( Google Reviews)

My favorite little tea shop in Calgary. From the outside it doesn’t look like much, but when you enter, it exudes relaxation and comfort. The staff are very friendly and willing to help you if you get overwhelmed by their selection of teas (that cover an entire wall).

My favorite drink, whether I’m taking it to go or staying in to do some writing, is their matcha latte, unsweetened with 2% milk (they have the option for soy milk as well, if that’s what you are into).
Definitely worth checking out. Only a short walk from the Sunnyside C-train station, which I recommend due to the lack of parking in Kensington.(Yelp)

Came here for a latte. The ladies at the cash were very friendly. The store was organized but it was forgettable. (Tripadvisor)

2-Café du Centre:

Website: cafeducentre.ca/

Menu: cafeducentre.ca/new-page-2

Phone: +1 403 764 7474

Address: 509 22 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2S 0H5, Canada

Known for:

• Brunch
• Presentation
• Location
• Elegant decor

Top picks:

• Deserts
• Afternoon tea
• Croissant

Cafe du Center is located in Calgary’s city center and offers the best high tea along with a picturesque interior that takes you back to a Parisian cafe. Customers generally appreciate the croissants. Cappuccinos, teas, and hot chocolates are available in this place. Café du Center offers a variety of teas and desserts made with local ingredients. Additionally, the café offers sandwiches, croissants, and desserts for hungry customers. You can also rent the premises if you plan on having a private party in the café with your friends and family.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Café du Centre (@cafeducentreyyc)

Even during rush hour, the Cafe du Center is easy to find. Staff is what makes this place so popular. Clients appreciate the excellent service at Cafe du Center. The cafe offers low prices that clients really appreciate. This cafe has inviting decor and a relaxing ambiance. Guests at this restaurant can enjoy tasty dishes while enjoying the sights of Fourth Street. This confectionary restaurant serves nicely cooked croissant sandwiches, salads, and quiches.

Customer reviews:

“Celebrated a birthday there yesterday and it was great! Very cute (although small) venue that is beautifully decorated. The high tea was beautifully presented, and everyone seemed to enjoy the food. They have a gluten free option as well, which my friend LOVED.”( Google Reviews)

Parisian perfection! Café Du Centre’s hospitality was phenomenal and with flavors so perfectly calculated & subtly romantic! The portions were exact & the presentation stunning!! My daughter & I were in awe of the entire experience from the location to the beautifully elegant ambiance. #highlyrecommended (Yelp)

This lovely café is a hidden gem! Quaint and classy with exceptional service. My mother and I came here for our special day and instantly fell in love. This is family owned, small business that goes above and beyond to ensure the best dining experience possible for all, even the difficult to satisfy. They strive to maintain a menu that is as fancy and delectable as their elegant décor and they offer exceptionally generous and kind service. We are delighted we discovered this truly wonderful café and highly recommend it to others. (Tripadvisor)

3-The Naked Leaf:

Website: thenakedleaf.ca/

Menu:  thenakedleaf.ca/collections/black-tea-scented-flavoured

Phone: +1 403 283 3555

Address: 1130 Kensington Rd NW #200, Calgary, AB T2N 3P3, Canada

Known for:

• Tasty tea
• Teapots
• Pottery
• Tea mugs

Top Picks:

• Oolong Tea
• White Tea
• Herbal Tea

At this independent tea shop in Kensington, you can find an abundance of natural and organic teas alongside locally-made chocolates, tea accessories, and tea-infused skincare products. For a fresh start to a workout or a strong start to a day of weightlifting, serve up a cup of Japanese houjicha organic, a dark brew green tea steeped with a mild nutty sweetness to it. It offers white, oolongs, mate, chai, and more teas. Brew enthusiasts can enjoy leafing through the selection or admiring the gallery of handmade teapots, teacups, and storage boxes designed by Calgary artists.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jonathan Kane (@nakedleaf)

Naked Leaf is an independent business, owned and operated by a former dancer, offering leaf tea with health benefits. The knowledgeable and friendly staff at the shop is happy to help new tea drinkers choose a blend of style among the seemingly endless selection of teas.

Customer reviews:

“I absolutely love and adore everything about The Naked Leaf. My day is not complete without at least one cup (usually more!) of wonderful Naked Leaf tea. This fantastic local business also supports several community initiatives and not-for-profits in Calgary. A truly great place in so many ways.” ( Google Reviews)

This is my favourite tea shop in Calgary hands down! The staff are fun and kind and knowledgeable about their products. I love their creamy earl grey tea and winter gold tea. I love that they support artists and print images of their work on tea tins that you can buy.

And they also have a fundraiser every year where you pay 5$ and get a tea and a stroopwafel – it’s a lot of fun as you can see from the photos below! They have a wide range of tea products for all your tea related needs and they make great gifts too! You might even be lucky enough to be invited to help spread glitter throughout the store during the Holiday season – or maybe that’s just me;) (Yelp)

The Naked Leaf will take your experience of tea to new heights. Jonathan sources his tea thoughtfully and ethically, and his shop is inviting and nurturing. The staff are knowledgeable and will help you select the best tea for your tastes, and you’ll be left with a beautiful keepsake – a tin featuring the work of local artists. How fabulous is that?! (Google Reviews)

Customer Reviews:

We had oysters, fresh delicious oysters, then shared the surf and turf. Our server Ramesh was a gentleman and the whole experience was simply perfect (Trip Advisor)

Beautiful setting to dine! Food tastes fresh and is presented beautifully. Great atmosphere. We were there celebrating a family birthday and had Derek as our waiter. His charismatic and friendly charm added to a great night out. We will definitely be returning!( Google reviews)

This is one of my favorite, if not THE favorite, restaurant in the Calgary area.
The food was perfect, the presentation is gorgeous, the service is top notch, and they can modify anything and are happy to do it!
I like the atmosphere too.

I’m always looking for another reason to go back.(Yelp)

Read more about 8 Best Indian Restaurants in Calgary, Canada

5 -Deane House:

Website: deanehouse.com/

Phone: +1 403 264 0595

Address: 806 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0S2, Canada

Menu: deanehouse.com/menus

Known for:

• An open-air patio with a view of the park
• serves desserts and savory foods
• Private dining rooms
• Ambiance

Top picks:

• Egg salad
• Opera Cake
• Organic Chamomile 

Deane House offers a variety of menu options, ranging from breakfast to afternoon tea. There are nine tea options and various sweet, savory, and scones on the afternoon tea menu. A celebration of regional cuisine is offered on its menu, which features fresh local ingredients. Dean House’s high tea reservations can accommodate between 6 and 40 guests, making it an ideal event space for a small or large party.

At the Bow and Elbow Rivers junction, this restaurant sits next to a spot where indigenous people gathered for hunting activities. As Calgary’s premier high tea location, Deane House offers the best experience with its patio area and historic setting.

Customer reviews:

“One of the best restaurants in all of Calgary. Last time we had the ‘Sunday Supper’ which was an amazing wild boar pork tenderloin and some coffee roasted carrots (amazing). We were also greeted with an awesome Jazz band that plays live every Sunday” ( Google Reviews)

Awesome place for a date night but we chose it for a romantic birthday celebration! The service was great and the food was so excellently prepared! You can’t go wrong with anything you order. We were here in the winter so there wasn’t much of a garden outside but the ingredients were local, fresh, and of the highest quality!! Definitely worth return visits to try their seasonal items.
The House was intriguing and had a romantic yet trendy ambiance. (Yelp)

We had their dinner at home several times now and they have perfected the concept. The food is pre-cooked and you just finish it following very clear instructions. It always feels like a freshly cooked meal, much better quality than take-out. It is on the pricey side, but it is well worth it. (Tripadvisor)

 

6-DAVIDsTEA – Chinook Centre:

Website: locations.davidstea.com/ab-Calgary-117

Menu: davidstea.com/ca_fr/the/

Phone: +1 403 252 1722

Address: 6455 Macleod Trail SW Unit 259Z, Calgary, AB T2H 0K3, Canada

Known for:

• Amazing tea
• Ambiance
• Service

Top picks:

• loose leaf tea
• ice tea

DAVIDS Tea is dedicated to providing uncompromising customer service and offering a wide selection of the finest teas from around the world. With the new count, this restaurant reached 150 different types of teas, with more coming in every time something new is found. Tea lovers are here to get the best teas from all around the world. DAVIDs TEA’s signature offerings include herbal teas, customizable flavor profiles, unbleached tea bags, sleepwear, and DAVIDs TEA mugs.

DavidsTea is a specialty store for tea and tea accessories that a homegrown Canadian created. They focus their attention on serving top-notch tea with superb customer service. DAVIDsTEA has a variety of blends and seasonal favorites to suit every need. They are truly passionate about tea.

Customer reviews:

“Great location! Lots of awesome teas and the staff are awesome – Laura in particular was very friendly and helpful :)” (Google Reviews)

Wonderful staff, very friendly and helpful. A gift my daughter got me from here had broke and I needed a new piece, I didnt know what it was but she just knew and got it for me. And then I bought some individual teas to go inmy new tea wallet. Can’t wait to try them . (Google Reviews)

I love this location. The staff is always very friendly and more than knowledgeable about all the products,ongoing promotions and future promotions and sales. It is located right next to my work so it is easy for me to walk on over and grab a new iced or hot tea for my drive home or to practice. By far my favorite location and always has everything in stock that I am looking for. Keep up the excellent work (Yelp)

7 -Reader’s Garden Café:

Website: readersgardencafe.ca/

Menu: readersgardencafe.ca/menu.html

Phone: +1 403 234 0065

Address: 311 25 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 5V1, Canada

Known for:

• Presentation
• Location
• Great Place
• Good Food

Top picks:

• Sandwiches
• Sundaes
• Soups
• Salads

Reader’s Garden Cafe is ideally situated in a historic and picturesque garden. They offer a variety of menus, depending on the seasonality of the local produce. Aside from offering high tea events with beautiful and vintage ceramics and silverware, the café also offers private high tea events. The high tea menu features filling sandwiches, mini pastries, homemade scones, cream & jam, and a tasty selection of teas and coffees.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Reader’s Garden Cafe (@readersgardencafe)

Reader’s Garden Cafe is a great spot to unwind and catch up with friends. The Cafe offers a small yet appealing menu with daily specials. Everything on the plate is acquired as locally as possible and cooked in the small kitchen as much as possible. The dedicated personnel will ensure that visitors enjoy every moment of their stay. The Reader’s Garden Cafe’s menu features daily specials in addition to the diversity of meals and drinks. Whenever you’re in the mood for a treat, try one of their sweet pastries paired with a refreshing beverage.

Customer reviews:

“Loved it from the moment I’ve seen it from far. The location and atmosphere are the best things. The service is excellent and the food is good but a bit pricey. I can’t wait to come back again and again.”( Google Reviews)

Born and raised in Calgary but having gotten used to living in The Okanagan – this hidden gem is a very pleasant surprise nestled in the inner city! With its charm and rustic feel, the experience feels like a weekend getaway rather than just a meal. One can tell that both the food AND service is about quality & not quantity; but yet you leave on a full stomach! Now really…isn’t that what it should be about? :-)(Yelp)

I love finding good places to eat and showing off to friends. Reader’s Rock Garden Cafe was this place. I took my European friend for coffee but ended up having lunch.
My Chicken Mushroom Ragout was absolutely fantastic – we ended with Austrian Apple Strudel, what a delight. Thank you so much!(Tripadvisor)

8- Sucre Patisserie & Cafe

Website: sucrecafe.com/

Menu: sucrecafe.com/pastries/

Phone: +1 587 352 5505

Address: 1007 8 St SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0Z6, Canada

Known for: 

• Customer Service,
• Decor,
• Prices
• Yummy Pastries

Top picks:

• Croissants
• Latte
• Macarons
• Tiramisu
• Black Forest Cake

The Sucre Patisserie & Cafe, which serves freshly baked French pastries and handcrafted artisan coffees, is a bakery and café with a French influence. Everything is manufactured from scratch in-house. Matchstick coffee is something they’re quite proud of. Come taste their handmade caramel latte and vanilla bean latte.
Sucre Patisserie & Cafe is specialises in the tastiest croissants, baguettes, and sandwiches. When you combine these items with purifying tea, you’ll enjoy the greatest high tea in Calgary.

You may also have a cup of tea and some bread with your coworkers because the café provides products and services for business meetings.
Aside from the hefty bread meals, you may have cakes, macarons, and just about any other delicacy to go with your tea. Besides pastry and coffee, Sucre Patisserie & Cafe carries baking supplies and coffee beans.

Customer Reviews:

Been coming to this Patissiere place very often when i used to live a block away from them Pretty classy and yummy place! I keep coming for my all time favorite Danish and Almond croissant. I can’t resist them! Whenever i need to gift someone a pastry, I have no place to ever go but here.( Google Reviews)

Very cute pastisserie. Love the atmosphere. I liked their keylime tart but I’m keylime fan. My friend got their chocolate mousse dome cake and loved it. Will be back to try other things for sure!  (Yelp)

So delish, amazing to have a savoury pastry that has banana peppers! What a treat, never imagined! Highly recommend. (Also their brownies? Omg) (Tripadvisor)

FAQS:

Why is high tea called high?

In its traditional form, high tea is usually served at the end of the working day at a high table, such as a dining table or counter. Whether you offer a more lavish tea or prepare a heartier feast, both are delightful ways to enjoy tea and amuse your guests.

What does an appropriate afternoon tea contain?

With a pot of tea, traditional afternoon tea is presented in three dishes on a tiered stand. First, come the tea sandwiches, then the scones with clotted cream and jam, and lastly the treats. Sandwiches are typically created without a crust to make them easier to consume and to give them a more delicate appearance.

What should ladies wear on afternoon tea?

While a decent blouse and jeans would suffice if you don’t want to dress up, many females prefer to take advantage of the occasion to wear a lovely gown. All you need is a light, flowing dress, a matching purse, and either sandals or wedges to complete the look.

Conclusion:

If you’re looking for a high tea experience in Calgary, these 8 restaurants are the best place to go. From traditional British fare to modern twists on this classic meal, each one of these locations will provide an unforgettable dining experience that is sure to leave your taste buds tingling with delight! We at High Tea Calgary love the city of Calgary and enjoy exploring all it has to offer. Whether you are looking for a place with a history or want to relax, this list will help you find your perfect spot!